How many people were arrested in the Europol-led operation?

More than 330 people were arrested across 70 countries.

What was seized during the operation?

Authorities seized 127,149 metric tons of waste, polluting agents, chemicals, mercury, and nearly 10 million euros in cash and bank accounts.

What regions were involved in illegal waste exports?

The waste was trafficked within Europe and exported to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Why is illegal waste trafficking a global problem?

It operates through criminal networks, involves document forgery and fraud, and poses environmental and public health risks.

Who co-led the operation alongside Europol?

Spain's Guardia Civil co-led the operation.

Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking & Finance Review® is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Headlines

More than 330 arrested in europol-led operation against illicit waste trade

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on March 11, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: March 11, 2026

Founders of The Entertainer toy chain hand over control to workers - Global Banking & Finance Review — Image depicting the founders of The Entertainer, Gary and Catherine Grant, announcing the transition of their toy retailer to employee ownership, emphasizing the significance of this move in the finance sector.

Tags:Crime Environment Global markets

Quick Summary

Europol’s “Custos Viridis” operation led to the arrest of over 330 individuals in 70 countries, seizing around 127,000 tonnes of illegal waste, hazardous substances, and nearly €10 million in assets—potential illicit profits estimated at €31 million.

Europol Leads Global Operation Arresting 330 in Illicit Waste Trade Crackdown

Major International Crackdown on Illicit Waste Trafficking

Arrests and Seizures Across 70 Countries

MADRID, March 11 (Reuters) - More than 330 people have been arrested across 70 countries in a crackdown on organised crime networks accused of trafficking illicit waste within Europe and exporting it to Africa, Asia and Latin America, Europol said on Wednesday.

Details of Seized Materials and Assets

Authorities seized 127,149 metric tons of waste, 602 tons of polluting agents along with 75 tons of plant protection chemicals, 2.3 tons of mercury and nearly 10 million euros ($11.6 million) in cash and bank accounts.

Estimated Illicit Profits

The seized waste could have generated illicit profits of at least 31 million euros, officials said.

Impact and Methods of Illegal Waste Trafficking

Illegal waste trafficking has become a global problem, operating through parallel criminal circuits, Spain's Guardia Civil, which co‑led the operation, said.

"These criminal networks not only fraudulently manage urban and industrial waste, but also systematically resort to document forgery and fraud to move hazardous materials, causing negative environmental impacts and risks to public health," it said.

Previous Related Arrests

Last year, Spanish police said they had arrested a gang suspected of smuggling more than 40,000 tons a year of untreated urban waste from Italy to Spain.

Additional Information

($1 = 0.8627 euros)

(Reporting by Emma Pinedo; editing by Charlie Devereux and Alex Richardson)

References